Buerger's Disease

Exact etiology is unknown, but smoking contributes to the development

Ashkenazi Jew, Indian, Korean, and Japanese, Age 20-45, 3:1 ratio affected males to females

Autoimmune - Not completely understood.

Affects small to medium and dense veins with associated dense polymorphonuclear leukocyte aggregation.

Allen's Test

Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet

Pale-bluish hands and feet

Waxing and waning pain that subsides with rest after exercise.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Painful sores on the hands and feet

Skin color and texture changes

Muscle cramps

Gangrene

No cure

Symptomatic management with calcium-channel blockers/vasodilation medication

NSAID's

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment - this is to assist with wound healing from diabetes.

Patient should completely curtail smoking. This includes avoiding secondhand smoke.

Attempt to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity in a day.

Visit dentist regularly to avoid gum disease that may occur with Buerger's disease.